The Vaults, Exeter – 32 Verified Student Reviews 🍻
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The Vaults -
The Vaults -
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Based on 32 user ratings
Sign in to leave a review8 Gandy St, Exeter EX4 3LS, United Kingdom
🕐 Opening Hours
Monday: Closed, Tuesday: 10:00 PM – 4:30 AM, Wednesday: 10:00 PM – 4:30 AM, Thursday: 9:00 PM – 4:30 AM, Friday: 9:00 PM – 4:30 AM, Saturday: 9:00 PM – 4:30 AM, Sunday: Closed
💬 What Students Say
The Vaults is a contemporary and welcoming LGBT venue located in the heart of Exeter, making it a popular choice for students looking for a fun night out. Open seven nights a week, this vibrant bar and nightclub is known for its neon-lit ambiance and a friendly atmosphere that invites everyone to let loose and enjoy themselves. With a solid reputation, The Vaults has received high ratings for its music, cleanliness, and especially its value for money, making it a top pick among students at the University of Exeter.
The atmosphere at The Vaults is one of its standout features. Students frequently mention the lively energy that fills the room, creating a sense of community and camaraderie. The venue is known for its upbeat crowd, where everyone seems to be in a good mood, dancing and enjoying the night together. Many reviews highlight how the friendly staff contribute to this positive vibe, ensuring that service is quick and efficient, allowing patrons to focus on having fun without unnecessary delays.
Music is a key element of the experience at The Vaults. The venue hosts a variety of events, including club nights and karaoke, which students rave about. The DJ is often praised for their ability to keep the energy high with a fantastic mix of tunes that get everyone on the dance floor. This attention to music quality contributes to a memorable night out, where students can lose track of time while dancing the night away. The reviews suggest that the music selection is well-tailored to the crowd, making it a place where students can truly enjoy themselves.
When it comes to drinks, The Vaults is known for offering good value. Many students appreciate the reasonably priced cocktails and drinks, which means you can enjoy a night out without breaking the bank. While some reviews note that it may not be the cheapest option in town, the overall experience and atmosphere make it worth the cost. The affordability of drinks is a significant plus for students, allowing them to enjoy a fun night without worrying too much about their budget.
Entry to The Vaults is generally a smooth process, with many students reporting minimal wait times. This is a significant advantage, especially on busy nights when other venues might have long lines. The reviews suggest that getting in is hassle-free, which is an essential factor for students who want to maximize their time enjoying the nightlife. Tickets can be purchased through a Fever Rep or via the FIXR ticket app, making it easy to secure entry ahead of time.
Students have shared their experiences at The Vaults, often highlighting the sense of safety and inclusivity that the venue provides. Many feel comfortable and secure while enjoying their night out, which is particularly important for those wanting to have fun without any worries. The positive crowd atmosphere, combined with the lively music and affordable drinks, creates an environment where students can relax and have a great time with friends.
However, it’s worth noting that while The Vaults has many strengths, there are a few caveats. Some students mention that the venue can get quite busy, especially on weekends, which might make it feel a bit crowded at times. Additionally, while the drinks are generally well-priced, some patrons feel that it may not be the cheapest option available. This could be a consideration for students who are particularly budget-conscious. Furthermore, as with any nightlife venue, the experience can vary from night to night, with some students noting that certain evenings are more enjoyable than others, depending on the crowd and events happening.
In summary, The Vaults is best suited for students looking for a lively and inclusive environment where they can dance, socialize, and enjoy good music. It’s an ideal spot for those who appreciate a vibrant nightlife scene and want to connect with both friends and new faces. The combination of a friendly atmosphere, great music, and reasonably priced drinks makes it a go-to destination for many.
For those planning a visit, it’s helpful to know that The Vaults has specific opening hours throughout the week. The venue is closed on Mondays and Sundays, but it opens late on weekdays and weekends, typically from 10 PM to 4:30 AM. This makes it a perfect spot for late-night outings, especially after a long day of classes.
Overall, The Vaults is a highly-rated venue that promises a fun and energetic night out. Whether you’re looking to dance the night away, enjoy some karaoke, or simply soak in the vibrant atmosphere, this Exeter hotspot is worth checking out.
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The atmosphere at The Vaults is one of its standout features. Students frequently mention the lively energy that fills the room, creating a sense of community and camaraderie. The venue is known for its upbeat crowd, where everyone seems to be in a good mood, dancing and enjoying the night together. Many reviews highlight how the friendly staff contribute to this positive vibe, ensuring that service is quick and efficient, allowing patrons to focus on having fun without unnecessary delays.
Music is a key element of the experience at The Vaults. The venue hosts a variety of events, including club nights and karaoke, which students rave about. The DJ is often praised for their ability to keep the energy high with a fantastic mix of tunes that get everyone on the dance floor. This attention to music quality contributes to a memorable night out, where students can lose track of time while dancing the night away. The reviews suggest that the music selection is well-tailored to the crowd, making it a place where students can truly enjoy themselves.
When it comes to drinks, The Vaults is known for offering good value. Many students appreciate the reasonably priced cocktails and drinks, which means you can enjoy a night out without breaking the bank. While some reviews note that it may not be the cheapest option in town, the overall experience and atmosphere make it worth the cost. The affordability of drinks is a significant plus for students, allowing them to enjoy a fun night without worrying too much about their budget.
Entry to The Vaults is generally a smooth process, with many students reporting minimal wait times. This is a significant advantage, especially on busy nights when other venues might have long lines. The reviews suggest that getting in is hassle-free, which is an essential factor for students who want to maximize their time enjoying the nightlife. Tickets can be purchased through a Fever Rep or via the FIXR ticket app, making it easy to secure entry ahead of time.
Students have shared their experiences at The Vaults, often highlighting the sense of safety and inclusivity that the venue provides. Many feel comfortable and secure while enjoying their night out, which is particularly important for those wanting to have fun without any worries. The positive crowd atmosphere, combined with the lively music and affordable drinks, creates an environment where students can relax and have a great time with friends.
However, it’s worth noting that while The Vaults has many strengths, there are a few caveats. Some students mention that the venue can get quite busy, especially on weekends, which might make it feel a bit crowded at times. Additionally, while the drinks are generally well-priced, some patrons feel that it may not be the cheapest option available. This could be a consideration for students who are particularly budget-conscious. Furthermore, as with any nightlife venue, the experience can vary from night to night, with some students noting that certain evenings are more enjoyable than others, depending on the crowd and events happening.
In summary, The Vaults is best suited for students looking for a lively and inclusive environment where they can dance, socialize, and enjoy good music. It’s an ideal spot for those who appreciate a vibrant nightlife scene and want to connect with both friends and new faces. The combination of a friendly atmosphere, great music, and reasonably priced drinks makes it a go-to destination for many.
For those planning a visit, it’s helpful to know that The Vaults has specific opening hours throughout the week. The venue is closed on Mondays and Sundays, but it opens late on weekdays and weekends, typically from 10 PM to 4:30 AM. This makes it a perfect spot for late-night outings, especially after a long day of classes.
Overall, The Vaults is a highly-rated venue that promises a fun and energetic night out. Whether you’re looking to dance the night away, enjoy some karaoke, or simply soak in the vibrant atmosphere, this Exeter hotspot is worth checking out.
✅ What Students Love
- Lively atmosphere with a friendly crowd.
- Great music selection that keeps everyone dancing.
- Affordable drinks that cater to student budgets.
- Quick and efficient service from friendly staff.
- Minimal wait times for entry, making it easy to get in.
⚠️ Things to Note
- Can get crowded on busy nights.
- Not the cheapest option available for drinks.
- Some nights may be better than others in terms of atmosphere.
- Limited opening hours on certain days.
🎯 Best For
Students looking for a vibrant and inclusive nightlife experience.
💡 Things to Know
- Dress code is casual; come as you are.
- Best to arrive early to avoid long queues on busier nights.
- Check out the FIXR ticket app for entry options.
- Expect a mix of club tunes and karaoke events throughout the week.
❓ Common Questions
What is The Vaults like?
The Vaults is a vibrant LGBT venue known for its lively atmosphere, great music, and friendly crowd.
How long is the queue?
The queue is generally minimal, making it easy to get in quickly.
Is it good value?
Yes, students find the drinks reasonably priced, offering good value for a night out.
What music does The Vaults play?
The Vaults features a mix of club tunes and hosts karaoke nights, keeping the energy high.
Is there a dress code?
The dress code is casual, so feel free to come as you are.
Reviews
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Not the most thrilling spot but it gets the job done. drinks are reasonably priced and the vibe is chill enough for a night out.
By user106252 on Apr 3rd 2026
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Music
Price
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Smoking
Queue moved quickly and drinks were reasonably priced. music selection was great, just right for conversation without missing a beat.
By user858558 on Apr 2nd 2026
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Smoking
Last weekend, a few mates and I hit up The Vaults, and honestly, we had a blast. The DJ was spot on, playing a great mix of bangers that kept everyone dancing. The drinks were reasonably priced too, which is always a win for a student budget, and we barely had to wait to get in, making it an all-around solid night out.
By user409121 on Mar 26th 2026
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Smoking
The vaults has a friendly crew and the service is quick, which is nice when you're trying to enjoy the night.
By user660459 on Mar 23rd 2026
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Smoking
Never fails to deliver – always such a good time.
By user748200 on Mar 18th 2026
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Smoking
Not the cheapest place but there’s always something going on, which makes it worth it. wouldn't want to go anywhere else for a night out.
By user925542 on Mar 16th 2026
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Smoking
Went there expecting the usual and ended up having a really good night. would go back again
By user955851 on Mar 11th 2026
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Smoking
Not bad at all, everyone seems to be in a good mood and just enjoying themselves.
By user335610 on Mar 10th 2026
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Smoking
People were smiling and the energy was really nice, just a good atmosphere to be in.
By user479627 on Feb 28th 2026
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Drinks are priced just right, so you're not breaking the bank.
By user427665 on Feb 9th 2026
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Smoking
The vaults had a lively atmosphere that made nights out feel safe and enjoyable. it really set the tone for a good time with friends.
By user622269 on Feb 3rd 2026
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Smoking
Not a bad crowd, everyone’s just enjoying themselves and dancing. wouldn't want it to be any different honestly.
By user881283 on Jan 28th 2026
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Fun, affordable and safe, ideal for a student night out.
By user848847 on Jan 23rd 2026
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Smoking
Looking back the atmosphere was pretty nice. the service was chill and it made hanging out easy.
By user789740 on Jan 20th 2026
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Everyone around is just looking to have a laugh and enjoy themselves.
By user719497 on Jan 15th 2026
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Smoking
It’s got the right energy for a student night, just people hanging out and enjoying themselves.
By user443674 on Jan 12th 2026
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Smoking
The crowd's usually pretty upbeat which can really change the mood around here
By user169079 on Jan 8th 2026
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The vaults has a unique charm. it just feels different and leaves you in a good mood.
By user406350 on Jan 4th 2026
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Not the most relaxed spot after a long day but it’s got a buzz that makes the energy worth it. you're not just paying for a seat to sit in.
By user206642 on Dec 31st 2025
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Ended up meeting loads of new people here again. would come back for sure
By user477404 on Dec 27th 2025
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Not the cheapest place, but it’s worth it for the experience. looking forward to going back.
By user780798 on Dec 22nd 2025
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Been a few times and the atmosphere's pretty wholesome but still has some energy to it
By user522767 on Dec 18th 2025
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Been a few times and some nights are just way better than others, you kinda wanna keep going forever when it’s lit ✨
By user355093 on Dec 14th 2025
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The dj knew how to keep the energy up and the music was just right for dancing. that’s what makes a night out enjoyable
By user331349 on Dec 9th 2025
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The music's always got everyone moving. it's a spot where you can lose track of time.
By user917038 on Dec 3rd 2025
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Felt really safe the whole time. wouldn't want to go anywhere else honestly
By user656414 on Nov 29th 2025
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Went in and the atmosphere was pretty good the whole time. would go back
By user473327 on Nov 25th 2025
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Friendly faces and solid tunes — what more do you need?
By user318130 on Nov 19th 2025
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Not the worst crowd, everyone seems to be into the same music, which is nice. it feels like you're all in it together.
By user367883 on Nov 13th 2025
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Music
Price
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Smoking
Good value drinks and a lively crowd, perfect for students.
By user417652 on Nov 7th 2025
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Music
Price
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Smoking
Drinks are pretty cheap and the crowd is always interesting.
By user765795 on Oct 30th 2025
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Music
Price
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Smoking
Not the cheapest option for a late night, but the atmosphere and energy make it worth it. you’re getting way more than just a place to grab a drink.
By user920336 on May 15th 2025